🇨🇦 Spain Digital Nomad Visa for Canadians – How to Apply and What to Expect
If you’re a Canadian citizen working remotely and dreaming of a Mediterranean lifestyle, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is your perfect gateway. Whether you’re freelancing or working for a Canadian company, this visa lets you live legally in Spain while continuing your remote job.
Let’s explore what it takes for Canadians to make the move.
✅ Are Canadians Eligible?
Yes! As a Canadian, you can apply if:
💼 You’re a remote worker for a non-Spanish company
💰 You earn at least €2,646/month (about CAD $3,900)
📄 You’ve worked with your current employer/client for at least 3 months
🎓 You hold a university degree or have 3+ years of related experience
🧾 You have a clean RCMP police certificate (apostilled)
🏥 You hold private health insurance covering Spain
🏠 You can show proof of accommodation (lease or reservation in Spain)
🗺️ Best Places in Spain for Canadians
Many Canadians seek out sunshine, culture, and affordability:
| 📍 City | 🧭 Why It’s Popular with Canadians |
|---|---|
| Valencia | Coastal, friendly, affordable, ideal for families |
| Barcelona | Bilingual, international vibe, flights to Canada |
| Malaga | Warm year-round, strong remote work community |
| Madrid | Big-city amenities, culture, and business networks |
| Canary Islands | Remote worker tax perks, low cost of living |
📂 Required Documents
To apply, you’ll need:
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Valid Canadian passport
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Apostilled RCMP background check
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Employment contract or freelancer documentation
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Bank statements, invoices or payslips (proof of income)
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Degree certificate or reference letters (3+ years’ experience)
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Health insurance valid in Spain
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Spanish address proof (rental contract or hotel booking)
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Sworn translations into Spanish of most documents
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Application form + passport-size photos
📌 Tip: Begin apostille and translations early to avoid delays.
🛂 Application Process
Option 1: From Canada (Spanish consulate in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver)
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Apply for a 1-year digital nomad visa
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Upon arrival, convert it to a 3-year residency permit in Spain
Option 2: From Spain (as a tourist)
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Enter Spain on a tourist visa
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Apply through UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas) within the first 90 days
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Directly receive a 3-year digital nomad residence permit
🕐 Processing time: ~20 working days in Spain or 1–2 months from Canada
👨👩👧👦 Can You Bring Your Family?
Yes! Spouses and dependent children can join you under a family-linked digital nomad permit.
💰 You must prove:
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+€1,000/month for your spouse/partner
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+€300/month for each child
💸 Spanish Taxes for Canadian Digital Nomads
Spain offers the Beckham Law tax regime for foreign remote workers:
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Flat 24% tax on Spanish income up to €600,000/year
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No tax on income earned outside Spain (e.g., Canadian clients, dividends)
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You may remain a Canadian tax resident under certain conditions
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Spain and Canada have a tax treaty to avoid double taxation
🧮 Be sure to speak to an accountant familiar with CRA + Spanish tax law to optimize your setup.
🇨🇦 Why Canadians Love Spain
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🌞 Warm climate and outdoor lifestyle
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💸 Lower living costs than Toronto or Vancouver
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🧘 Slower pace of life, better work-life balance
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🛫 Frequent flights to Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver
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📡 Fast fiber internet in all major regions
⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We offer full support for Canadians relocating to Spain:
✅ DNV application & document review
✅ RCMP background check + apostille guidance
✅ NIE number, empadronamiento & legal registrations
✅ Tax planning for Canadians abroad
✅ Family visas, translations, and setup services
📞 Book your free consultation today and start your Spanish chapter smoothly.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is a great fit for Canadians who want a better lifestyle without giving up their career. With legal residency, tax breaks, and high quality of life, Spain is quickly becoming a favorite destination for Canada’s remote workforce.
Thinking of making the move? Contact Borderless Lawyers and we’ll help you every step of the way.